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January 29, 2025
Watching swans at Pungo Lake
At the start of the new year, Joy and I set off on our long-anticipated trip to Pungo Lake in North Carolina—widely renowned as one of the premier migratory bird sanctuaries in the United States. Situated in Washington and Hyde Counties [1], roughly two and a half hours from Raleigh, Pungo Lake teems with life each winter (December to February). Tens of thousands of Tundra Swans (also known as Whistling Swans due to their unique calls), along with geese and various other waterfowl, journey from the Canadian Arctic’s coastal plains to find a milder refuge here [2, 3]. The vast wetlands around the lake offer ample food and a peaceful haven, allowing these magnificent birds to rest and refuel until spring. It’s little wonder that Pungo Lake has become a haven for bird enthusiasts and photographers eager for a close-up look at this awe-inspiring spectacle.
On that crisp winter day, the sky was brilliantly blue, and the sun shone brightly over the lake. Yet the biting cold wind carried a razor-sharp chill, making each step feel like a challenge. Initially, we spotted plenty of swans in a nearby field, but they were too far away for decent photos. After some searching, we finally discovered an ideal vantage point overlooking flocks gliding gracefully across the water. Some drifted serenely, while others dipped their heads to forage. Every so often, a few would beat their wings and lift off—elegant in every movement, leaving us captivated.
The wind was relentless, making it nearly impossible to keep my tripod steady, so I had to shoot handheld. Despite wearing thick gloves, my fingers soon turned numb. But in the presence of such majestic creatures, any discomfort seemed to dissolve. I snapped away with excitement, determined to capture their beauty and poise in each frame. As the magnificent, colorful clouds darkened and vanished from the horizon, the swans flew back to the lake from the field. We also headed back home.
Attached are a few snapshots from this cold yet exhilarating swan-watching adventure. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the wonders of nature and the awe-inspiring rhythm of life.
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pungo_Lake.
https://www.bakertroop.com/photography/north-carolina/pungo-lake-tundra-swans-migration
https://birdwatchingnc.com/winter-birding-at-the-pungo-unit-tundra-swan-migration/
Hui
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